Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Around the Campfire => Topic started by: mcginnis6010 on December 16, 2012, 12:19:24 am

Title: easy way to etch a knife blade?
Post by: mcginnis6010 on December 16, 2012, 12:19:24 am

Anyone know of an easy, cheap way to etch a knife blade?

Title: Re: easy way to etch a knife blade?
Post by: tattoo dave on December 16, 2012, 12:25:59 am

Watched a video on youtube once, the guy used boiled vinegar to etch a blade.

Tattoo Dave

Title: Re: easy way to etch a knife blade?
Post by: JW_Halverson on December 16, 2012, 12:40:43 am

Look up a member here called "4est Trekker".  He uses variously saltwater, vinegar solution, lemon juice and and sometimes a battery to do the work. 

I own one of his knives and his signature is etched deeply enough into the blade I couldn't file it out without ruining the blade.  Thereby preventing me from putting my mark in it's place and stealing his glory!  He also does a light patina on his blades making them a dull grey color that I love. 

Here's a thread where he posted some of his work.  The top photo in his Sept 26 posting is now MY knife.  And oh brother! do I ever love that little necker!

Title: Re: easy way to etch a knife blade?
Post by: turtle on December 16, 2012, 01:24:08 am

Try this.
http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,24281.0.html

Title: Re: easy way to etch a knife blade?
Post by: mcginnis6010 on December 16, 2012, 01:46:05 am

thanks guys that really good info. cant wait to put my mark on my next knife!

Title: Re: easy way to etch a knife blade?
Post by: stickbender on December 16, 2012, 02:54:52 am

     Like J.W. said, and you can go to Radio Shack, and get their etching acid, (nitric acid) And you can wax the blade, and then scratch out your design, name, etc. and also you can dip the clean blade in the acid, and let it sit a a few minutes, and then clean it off, with water, and baking soda, and it will have a mottled look to the blade.
Seen some at a rendezvous, and that is how the guy said he did it.  I have not tried it myself yet, but I am wanting to try it.  It could be used for a lot of things, that you want to be a little different looking, like hilts, finger guards, buttons, butt plates, etc..

                                                  Wayne